COMMUNITY FORUM

weight bearing wall question

(I'm in CA) In 1st stages of planning a remodel/new build... Wondering if anyone knows what the requirements to leave up one weight bearing wall that qualifies for a remodel as opposed to an entire new build. As much info as possible appreciated on this subject, or where can I find this type of info?

Since your question was so vague I can only answer in broad terms. 'Load bearing' walls are a vital part of the structural integrity of a building. For almost 'anything' you do to or with a load bearing wall - you must 'compensate'.

If you take out a section of a load bearing wall, you must replace that section with a 'compensating' member...i.e. something has to carry the 'load'.

For example - I just removed 29' of load bearing wall in my house - I had to 'compensate' by replacing the wall with an iron 'I' beam rated to carry the calculated 'load'. (I could have used an engineered 'glue-lam').

You said "all the information you can get" - [almost]Any removal of load bearing wall requires an engineer/architect to provide plans or calculations for the permit.

Your name - 'doitmyselfwannabe' indicates this is not an area you have expertise in - the very first step in any construction project is a set of 'plans' - they are worth their weight in gold - hire an expert to draw your plans for you (no professional plans - usually means no permit) - a lot of jurisdictions mandate engineered or architectural plans before they will issue a permit (that means NO - they do not except homeowner 'home drawings'.

In 'most' places the general rule is 50%.......If you remove more than half the existing house OR the increase the value 50% OR add to the footprint..........You start as NEW meeting all codes/setbacks/permitting/etc........."Grand-fathered" remodeling is the way to go..............